LAOAG CITY—THE Solid North reaffirmed its loyalty as thousands of Ilocanos welcomed Tuesday with open arms the senatorial candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, turning Ilocos Norte into a political fortress for the administration-backed slate.

The kickoff rally, attended by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc, and 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, underscored the region’s political importance and its traditional role as a stronghold for the Marcos family and their allies.

For Alyansa candidates, there was no better place to begin than the heart of the Solid North.

“Pinili po ng Alyansa ang Ilocos kasi una, dito po nanggaling ang ating Pangulo at dito po nagsimula ang Bagong Pilipinas,” ACT-CIS Representative and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo said in a press conference.

“Narito po kami to, ‘ika nga, awitan ang inyong mga boto. Vote for the alliance because iisa po ang objective dito,” Tulfo added, as he urged Ilocanos to back the slate.

Deputy Speaker Camille Villar framed the kickoff rally as a homecoming of purpose, where the movement for a Bagong Pilipinas took root.

“Kaya po natin pinili na simulan ang kampanya ng Alyansa ay dahil dito po nagsimula ang ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos,” Villar said.

She continued: “‘Yung mga pangarap niya hindi lang para sa mga Ilokano, kundi para sa lahat ng Pilipino, ‘yan din ang isusulong ng Alyansa.”

For former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, launching in Ilocos Norte was an unquestionable choice.

“‘Yung NPC (Nationalist People’s Coalition) sumama sa Alyansa because we wanted to support the programs of the President. Kaya wala nang babagay na kickoff kundi sa Ilocos Norte. It’s as simple as that,” Sotto explained.

Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson cited the enduring loyalty of the Solid North, as he noted the province’s past electoral support.

“Kami lahat nagkasundo nung iminungkahi na dito ‘yung kickoff ng proclamation rally sa Ilocos para ma-emphasize ‘yung suporta ni Pangulong Marcos kasi Solid North,” Lacson said.

The Solid North, the northern voting bloc known for its steadfast support of Ilocano leaders, has long stood behind the Marcos family and their allies.

“Nung 2016, ako po ay nag-number one sa Laoag City at sa buong Ilocos Norte, number two po ako kay ngayo’y Speaker Martin Romualdez,” Lacson pointed out.

For some candidates, the rally was more than symbolic—it was deeply personal.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay embraced her Ilocano roots, tracing her family’s lineage to Isabela province and Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

“Iki-claim ko na—ang tatay ko po ay taga-Isabela. Nung nag-ikot po ako sa Bacara, nakita ko po nakalagay ang mga Albano na dating mayor, merong Purugganan, ito po ay kamag-anak ng aking lola sa side po ng aking tatay,” she said.

“Nananalaytay pong dugong Ilocano kahit one-fourth na lang siguro, one-eighth. Pero kasi nga clannish ang mga Ilocano, iki-claim ko na.”

For former Senator Manny Pacquiao, it was about shared struggles, connecting with Ilocano farmers who make their living off the land.

“Dito rin nanggaling ang ating Pangulo, taga rito siya. At dito sa inyong lugar marami ang mga magsasaka,” Pacquiao said.

“Alam niyo naman na ako ay galing sa bundok, magsasaka rin ang mga magulang ko. Kailangan silang protektahan at suportahan para maayos natin ang kanilang pamumuhay.”

For Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, the Ilocano spirit represents the resilience and discipline that drive the nation forward.

“Bukod po diyan, ang Norte po ay kumakatawan sa kasipagan, disiplina ng Pilipino. Ganoon po ang ating mga kababayang Ilocano,” he said.

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos called on Ilocanos to stand as one.

“Alam ko po very clannish, pero sana naman makita niyo ang aming Alyansa,” Abalos said. “Sana po kung anong clannish ng Ilocano, clannish din po ang pagboto sa amin. Straight dose po tayo!”

Alyansa’s senatorial slate also includes reelectionist senators Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Lito Lapid and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco